Coronavirus cases continue to be reported all across the Pennsylvania, and state health officials say they’re taking the necessary steps to ensure an efficient testing process.
Michael Huff is the Director of Testing and Contact Tracing for the Commonwealth.
“It’s our priority to ensure that all Pennsylvanians who want or need a test will have access to one,” Huff said. “However, priority attention will be given to those who are most vulnerable.”
“Individuals will be offered testing based on a prioritized, tiered approach.”
Huff broke it into a three-tier system, and said that the main priority will be given to hospitalized patients who have COVID symptoms.
Tier One priority is for hospitalized individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19; symptomatic individuals who are close contacts to a positive case of COVID-19; and asymptomatic individuals with certain underlying health conditions who are close contacts to a positive case of COVID-19.
Tier Two priority is for all other individuals with COVID-19 symptoms; close contacts of confirmed cases who are asymptomatic; individuals who are asymptomatic and who live in congregate care facilities; individuals who are asymptomatic and who work in health care, non-long-term congregate care facilities, home health care, emergency services, child and adult protective services, correctional facilities, and compassionate care and hospice services.
Tier Three priority is based on the COVID-19 prevalence in the community for asymptomatic individuals who work in areas that have frequent interactions with the public and may not have the ability to maintain at least six feet of space on a consistent basis. For example: retail and manufacturing and food services.
He also said that as the variety of tests expand, that the state will update their prioritization list.
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